This was an article I wrote that was published in the Church News while I was going through my family trials and pending divorce. I remember seeing a notice online in the Church News that they were looking for articles on this subject and I got the distinct prompting that I was supposed to write this article. I wrote it and submitted it. In this particular series, they would publish four or five submissions, and mine was chosen as the lead submission.

HOW TO MAINTAIN HOPE IN THE MIDST OF AFFLICTION

Church News Dec. 28, 1996

One of the key lessons in life is learning how to handle affliction and
remain hopeful through it. Here are some ideas that I have found helpful:

Don't become absorbed in feeling sorry for yourself. Instead, pray to know
what the Lord wants you to learn from your afflictions. In understanding what
you are to learn, it may help to study carefully your patriarchal blessing, to
receive a priesthood blessing or to spend extra time in scripture study. Talks
from general conferences also often address the subject of understanding
afflictions.

Try to radiate happiness. Avoid the pitfall of saying to yourself, “I am
justified in being crabby or unfriendly because of my troubles.” Instead, look
at your afflictions as an opportunity to learn to be cheerful in spite of your
troubles.

Share your feelings with close friends or family members. You don't want to
burden others with complaints; however, someone who will listen and understand
can help you feel better.

Seek to comfort and serve others. Your adversity can make you more
understanding of the adversities of others. Use this perspective to serve others
with troubles and to listen to them and to help lift them up.

Seek solace in sacred music. The right type of music can soothe your soul,
and it can help you keep a spiritual perspective in your afflictions.

Focus on the Savior. He understands your adversity and will not let you
suffer any more than is necessary for your maximum eternal happiness. He is one
friend you can always count on.

Pray; find a private place and ask for the Holy Ghost to help lift you up.
One of the roles of the Holy Ghost is to comfort you. The Holy Ghost can bring
you cheerfulness that you can in turn radiate to others.

- David A. Hall, Cedar Rapids, Iowa

“The people never give up their liberties but under some delusion.”—Edmund Burke